Arsène Wenger might have been mistaken for a boor if not a bully last week. The side he chose for Arsenal's Carling Cup tie at White Hart Lane appeared a breach of the unwritten law that major clubs must send out makeshift line-ups in the early stages of the tournament. Extra-time was needed, but following their 4-1 loss Tottenham Hotspur may have felt that the earnestness of the visitors was crass.

Wenger gave a hint of support to the theory that any trophy is a prize to be coveted by a club that has gone five years without silverware. The wider truth, however, is that it is becoming difficult for him to pick a subdued side. Were everyone fit, he could have sent out an entirely different starting XI against Tottenham that would have been more intimidating still: Almunia; Sagna, Squillaci, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Walcott, Fábregas, Song, Arshavin; Van Persie, Chamakh.

Whether through youth development or astute transfer dealings he has assembled a rich collection of footballers, yet there can be no euphoria in the stands at the Emirates. The practicalities of the game again eluded Arsenal in the 3-2 defeat by West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. During their last top-flight campaign, those opponents notched just one away win, against a Middlesbrough side that would also be relegated in that 2008‑09 season.

It could well be that Albion's current manager, Roberto Di Matteo, is transforming the club, but the earlier away trips in the Premier League saw them lose 6-0 and 1-0 at Chelsea and Liverpool respectively. Even though West Bromwich will have reflected on those defeats, it was Arsenal who did most to ensure their triumph. At such moments protocol calls for Manuel Almunia to be rebuked if not derided and he was undoubtedly at fault.

When the Spaniard supplanted Jens Lehmann in the 2007‑08 season, the German vented his scorn. Few would believe that Almunia stands comparison with the sort of goalkeepers who turn out for other leading clubs in the Champions League. It is undeniable, too, that Wenger sought to remove him from the line-up. Considering that Fulham had an interest in selling Mark Schwarzer, who was approaching the last season of his contract, and Arsenal had every cause to recruit him it was a feat of some sort that a deal was not struck.

The principal consequence of Wenger's efforts to bring in the Australian can only have been further damage to the confidence of Almunia. He is to miss tonight's match with Partizan Belgrade because of an elbow injury but the harm was done while saving Chris Brunt's penalty at the weekend. Although a better goalkeeper is required at the Emirates, it would be facile to see Almunia as the source of all sorrow.

Wenger was once known for his rigour, with the partnership of Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit sited in front of the centre-back Tony Adams during the first phase of the manager's tenure at Arsenal. Gilberto Silva would be signed in 2002 and despite the fluctuations over his spell in London, the departure of the holding midfielder six years later still seems regrettable, particularly since he is still good enough to be playing for Brazil.

All the same, Wenger's various decisions are having an impact and the Premier League looks more forgiving of aberrations than it has been of late. The sole unbeaten side in the top four is Manchester United and they are yet to win away from home. By contrast, Arsenal claimed the sort of hard-bitten victory at Blackburn that is not generally viewed as part of their repertoire.

Admittedly, that battle-hardened air is not yet present on every occasion. Sheer panic by Gaël Clichy cost the side a win at Sunderland. From a broader perspective, Arsenal can be hopeful if there is an increase in confidence as the side settle down. A stable combination in the middle of the back four would be of benefit yet we are still to see how, say, Laurent Koscielny's rapport with the currently injured Vermaelen evolves.

Arsenal's scope for progress cannot be ignored. Cesc Fábregas is yet to return and if Robin van Persie can maintain fitness once he has regained it the impact ought to be profound. Theo Walcott's pace should be of value, too, when he comes back from ankle trouble. Nonetheless, the healing that Arsenal need so badly must take place in the mind. A side chastened in the league last season by comprehensive defeats by Chelsea, as well as Manchester United, go to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.